Make the Most of 3 Romantic Cities with Short, Fun-Filled Walks

Paris, Florence, and Prague top Frommer’s list of 10 most romantic cities in the world, and winter is often the cheapest time of year to visit them. Whether you’d like to savor a mini-escape with your soul mate or some down time on a business trip, the following walks—described below by contributing writers—can help the schedule-squeezed, budget-conscious traveler fit in sightseeing, snacking, and shopping in just a few blissful hours. And here’s a great money-saving tip: If you use a Citi ThankYou® Card and need to book a flight, you can use your rewards points to travel whenever you want with no blackout dates, on any airline.

1. Paris

For each of these one-to-two-hour jaunts, be sure to have on hand a copy of Plan de Paris par Arrondissement, the pocket-size atlas of every street and location organized by neighborhood.

“Let’s say you want to window-shop (or splurge) at the ‘grand couturiers’ of Place Vendome. Instead of heading straight there, take the Métro to Place de la Concorde, where you’ll enjoy wide-open views of the Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. You can also explore the lovely and historic Tuilleries gardens, which end at the Louvre Palace. (Save the museum tour for your next visit.) Rue de Rivoli, the famous street of boutiques and galleries, runs along the gardens and is also home to the century-old tea salon, Maison Angelina. There, you can pause for tea and pastry, and then glide up to Place Vendome just a couple of blocks north.

“If Left Bank-quaint is more your style, take the Métro to St.-Michel. You can either veer south toward Hemingway’s old stomping grounds in Saint-Germain des Prés—A Moveable Feast outlines his walks through that neighborhood —or visit the 800-plus-year-old Notre Dame cathedral where on Sundays you can catch a free organ concert. Cross the 19th century-era Petit Pont for east-west views of Paris over the Seine and haggle for souvenirs with the chatty quay vendors. Then take the steps down to walk along the river to the next bridge (Pont de l’Archevêché), where you can hang a padlock with your and your lover’s initials on it among thousands of others. Keep going and you’ll and wind up on Ile St Louis for ice cream or hot chocolate at Berthillon. Cap your trek at the western tip of that tiny island, the wind in your hair as barges stream past, seagulls echoing dreamily from above.” – Nanette Burns, a freelance editor who is lucky enough to have lived in Paris.

2. Florence

Stendhal Syndrome, the condition of feeling giddy and overwhelmed by art and beauty, was named after the 19th century French author who, upon visiting Florence, felt, “a fierce palpitation of the heart ...” Who could blame him? Firenze is a stunning jewel of a city, and it’s easily accessible by foot. A great companion for your walk is Florence for the Curious Traveler: A Classical Tour Through Italy by Alberto Anichini.

“Start by leaving the busy Piazza della Repubblica and turn to the left of the arch onto Via Pellicceria. Here the street narrows in front of the Palazzo di Parte Guelfa and becomes a small alley that crosses the fascinating Via delle Terme, with its evocative medieval towers and dwellings. Pass the Arch of Chiasso delle Misure and you will find yourself in Borgo SS. Apostoli, where the ancient buildings will take you back in time. Turn left and take Vicolo dell’Oro, a tranquil space from where you can see the Arno River.

These walks can help the schedule-squeezed, budget-conscious traveler fit in sightseeing, snacking, and shopping in just a few blissful hours.

“Now, move in closer and look out upon Ponte Vecchio. The view is spectacular from the city’s most ancient bridge, which is flanked by dazzling jewelry stores; some, in fact, are quite affordable. Callai, at Ponte Vecchio, 17 has items and charms starting at about $10. Continue along the left bank towards Via dei Bardi and walk amidst elegant palaces; their grand doors hide their gardens and their history. Walk ahead on Via San Niccolò, and peruse the shops of artisans and dealers selling second-hand objects. At the cross street of Via San Miniato, you’ll find moderately priced small restaurants and bars, such as Il Rifrullo and Osteria San Niccolò which give the area the feeling of a small village. Keep going through Porta San Miniato and follow the ancient walls on the left; a high tower on the side of the hill leads the way towards Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow the main street or one of the many shortcuts up the hill, but don’t give up: You will be rewarded by a breathtaking panorama with a small secluded terrace and a lovely café, Bar Play, for a well-deserved drink while taking in the sunset over Florence.” – Alessandra Gardin, an art expert and licensed tour guide of Florence.

3. Prague

Prague & The Czech Republic will be your best friend on this stroll through the Czech Republic’s economic, political, and cultural center.

“Prague Castle, where monarchs ruled Bohemia and the Czech lands for more than a millenium, is where a romantic walk in the City of Spires should start. A steep descent down Nerudova Street brings you to the river Vltava. Crossing the glittering Vltava on Charles Bridge, linger at each of the statues, performers, and artists, then skip across into the Old Town Square. You’ll marvel as its Town Hall, churches, and Astronomical Clock open up to you. On the square you can pop into Moser to shop for some world-famous Bohemian crystal at reasonable prices.

“Returning to the Charles Bridge, try some Czech cuisine at Bily Konicek off the Old Town Square—I highly recommend the sauerkraut soup! Entrées run $11-$18, and the soup is even cheaper. Or you could sample coffee and something sweet, each for $4-$5, at the Mozart Café with a view of the Astronomical Clock. As evening falls, the Vltava murmurs below the Charles Bridge while the castle and old town bathe you in the glow imparted to them over the centuries by hearts thrumming to the same sights you’ve just seen; this is the romance of Prague.” – Keith Hughes, a Foreign Service Officer who has lived all over the world and travelled extensively. Prague is a favorite destination.